WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- After Thursday morning's rush hour, DDOT crews will close westbound Southeast Freeway between Pennsylvania Avenue and 8th Street, SE for construction. The portion of the freeway will stay closed between 18 and 20 months to finish part of the 11th Street Bridge Project - Phase 2 construction.

DDOT crews will also open the new ramp from 11th Street, SE to westbound I-695 (SE/SW Freeway) on Thursday. It serves as a second access point to the Freeway other than the 3rd Street, SE on-ramp, and gives direct access to the Freeway for Anacostia residents using the local 11th Street Bridge. The ramp also expected to help alleviate evening rush-hour traffic from the Navy Yard.

If you're driving southbound on DC-295 (the Anacostia Freeway) or westbound on Pennsylvania Avenue, SE you will take a detour to the new I-695 inbound freeway bridge to get to SE/SW Freeway and I-395. There will be signs in place.